Case Study Research Design Research Articles

A Gifted High School Student’s Abstraction Process of Divisibility Rules

Purpose: Gifted students are often motivated by complex mathematical tasks. Mathematical abstraction allows access to gifted students’ cognitive processes in knowledge construction. The question “How and why do the divisibility rules work?” evokes in them an intellectual need for constructing the working principle of a divisibility rule. Hence, this research focused on a gifted high school student’s abstraction process of divisibility rules. By examining mathematical abstraction through observable actions, this study presents a deeper insight into the gifted student’s thoughts, difficulties, and strategies regarding the working principle of divisibility rules. Design/Methodology/Approach: The data was obtained from a 9th-grade gifted high school student through clinical interviews in a case study research design. The data were analyzed using the RBC+C abstraction theoretical framework's epistemic actions: Recognizing, Building-with, Constructing, and Consolidating. Findings: The gifted student could recognize and use the necessary prior knowledge about divisibility to abstract the divisibility rules. In the construction process, the student explored the complex divisibility rules based on the place values of numbers with different digits. Highlights: The student needed guidance in the process of creating more complex divisibility rules. With the researcher's help, the student could understand even more complicated divisibility rules and consolidate the cognitive way.

An Analysis of Indigenisation Dynamics of Kenya Army Band Martial Music

The weakening of British rule and the eventual emancipation of Kenya from colonial control brought the promise of a free nation able to validate its indigeneity through art, culture, and music. However, the Kenyan army band martial music has not fully realised this potential. Sixty years after independence, the Kenya army band plays British-style music and has slowly adapted to indigenous music. This paper is part of a continuing study at Langata Garrison in Nairobi, the home of the Kenya Army Band. The study employed a qualitative approach and a case study research design to analyse selected martial music scores. The guiding theory for this study is Hungry Listening: Resonant Theory, which aims to deconstruct colonisation elements through decolonial listening. The study reveals that while some progress has been made in incorporating Indigenous music, a more deliberate and broad-based approach is needed to cut the umbilical cord of the colonised from the coloniser.

Respect and politeness as ingredients of indigenous address terms: a phenomenological study of Tshivenḓa speakers from Mavhulani, Limpopo, South Africa

ABSTRACT This article assesses the importance of respect and politeness, as ingredients of indigenous address terms, in preserving Tshivenḓa as a language, culture, and tradition in Mavhulani. Tshivenḓa address terms are integral to both verbal and non-verbal communication, serving as key indicators of societal norms and practices. Failure to communicate appropriately when using these Tshivenḓa address terms may result in the loss of respect and dignity, misunderstandings, language shift, and ultimately, language death, which needs to be avoided. Most importantly, failure to respect a traditional leader in African societies, including among the Vhavenḓa, may result in one being punished and disadvantaged economically. In attempting to explore this phenomenon, this article adopts a qualitative approach to collect data. Accordingly, a case study research design was adopted. The theoretical framework used to underpin this article is the Afrocentricity theory. The study’s findings indicate that participants in Mavhulani perceive Tshivenḓa address terms as significant for maintaining respectful and dignified interactions. The preservation of these address terms is deemed essential for upholding interpersonal respect and dignity among interlocutors. It is recommended that these address terms be included in the school syllabus to make the young generation aware of them.

Design Pembelajaran Berpihak pada Peserta Didik terhadap Hasil Belajar Materi Pecahan Senilai Kelas IV SD Negeri Tambakrejo 01

Student-centered learning has not been successfully implemented, according to the findings of interviews conducted with fourth grade teachers. Students have a variety of learning demands. Efforts made by teachers by using TaRL techniques to increase students' interest in learning. Finding out what the value of fractions is through various methods is the goal of the PBL learning paradigm. This research uses mixed methodology, which combines two different approaches: qualitative and quantitative with a case study research design. By thoroughly describing a case that becomes the focal point of the research. The data collection method in this study is based on the assessment of learning outcomes, which includes knowledge, understanding, ability, attitude, and value. Students' learning outcomes were maximized in the first lesson using the TaRL approach. This method makes learning more focused and efficient. Although the TaRL approach can be used to improve student learning outcomes, it still requires hard work and creativity to advance students who have not achieved their learning outcome targets and retain students who have achieved their learning outcome targets.

Strategies employed by the head teachers in the implementation of competence-based curriculum in public primary schools in Bagamoyo, Tanzania

This study examined strategies employed by the head teachers in implementing a competence-based curriculum (CBC) in public primary schools in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, with a case study research design, for the purpose of determining in-depth information regarding the implementation of CBC. The study involved 10 participants, thus head teachers. Interviews, observation and documentary reports were used to collect field data. The data were analysed thematically. The findings reported that the head teachers employed various strategies to support teachers in adapting to CBC in public primary schools, namely improving in-service teacher training, teaching and learning materials, the teaching and learning environment, teaching and learning resources, as well as facilitating the relationship between school and community. However, some challenges were noted to hinder the effective implementation of CBC, including a lack of resources, a large number of students in the classroom, and a lack of competent teachers to implement CBC effectively. The study concludes that it is important for the head teachers to devise numerous strategies that could be used for effectively implementing CBC in primary schools. The study recommends that the government, private sectors, and non-governmental organisations ensure the availability of teaching and learning resources, enough teachers, and a good learning environment, as well as training about implementing CBC for all primary school teachers.

Recruitment in public schools through unsustainable policy? Exploring the vision of Andalusian pre-service music teachers

The shortage of music teachers is on the rise in many countries, posing a threat to the sustainability of the music teaching profession. On the other hand, the existing literature on the investigation of music teacher recruitment primarily focuses on the recruitment of students for music teaching degrees, comparatively neglecting the recruitment of music teachers within the labor market. Employing a qualitative case-study research design, I aim to investigate the sustainability of the policy for public recruitment of music teachers according to the perspective of prospective applicants to secondary schools in Andalusia. The case under investigation involves two cohorts of last-year pre-service secondary-school music teachers (n = 30) based in Andalusia. The perspectives of the participants predominantly lean toward the negative, suggesting the unsustainability of the policy under examination. Indeed, the recruitment system is perceived to embody a bureaucratic, depersonalized, and denaturalized process; one that, according to the participants, misaligns with the professional reality of music teachers as they perceive it. In addition, I discuss how these findings resonate with previous research and propose potential avenues for policymakers.

Mathematical Symbolization in Relation to Arts and Culture

This paper stems from an analysis of a larger study that explored proficiency in mathematical symbolization and presents students’ representational fluency in using mathematical symbols concerning arts and culture. The research had the potential of revealing the conception of symbols by students, the thick line interconnection between mathematics and arts and underscoring mathematics symbols in the perspective of arts. The study objectives comprised finding out whether culture has mathematical concepts and how students conceive mathematical symbols concerning culture and traditions. The analysis made use of constructivist learning and ecological system theory as conceptual frameworks in lensing the study. The qualitative case study research design examined multiple representations of symbols among students in secondary schools and reported in light of symbols’ interconnections to the perspective of the arts. The findings of the study show that students are aware of mathematics concepts and their origin in the communities’ culture and prior knowledge of symbols contributes to challenges and tenacity in multiple representations of symbols in aspects of supportive and problematic conception. Discussion of these findings concerning performance in mathematics in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) may be owed to long-term negative effects on students’ understanding of mathematical symbolizations which in turn could impact achievement in mathematics. The study may be useful in recommending that emphasis could be put on better ways of integrating diverse cultures in the mathematics curriculum through curriculum documentation such as textbooks to enhance mathematical symbols’ conceptual understanding among students and reduce symbol cognitive load through proper pedagogical design

Link and match learning on the quality of vocational graduates in Banten province, Indonesia

Many vocational graduates have not been absorbed in the world of work. The low outcome of vocational graduates is not absolute because there are no jobs, but it is caused by low graduate competence among them. This study aims to determine the influence of link and match learning on the quality of vocational graduates in Banten Province. This study employs a qualitative methodology and a case study research design. Document studies, interviews, and observations were used to gather research data. The study's findings demonstrate that the idea of a link and match describes how organizations and the workplace interact. In other words, it can be said to be a relationship between labor providers and their users. Through these relationships, educational institutions as labor providers can establish relationships with the business world or industry. Vocational education, in particular, can collaborate with companies or industries so that students can practice (internship) in the company. With this program, vocational can determine the competencies most needed in work and the industrial world. The final result of the link and match program is the acquisition of graduates who are ready to work with qualified skills.

Case Management of Counseling Guidance for Inmates Experience Stress During Early Coaching

The phenomenon of stress in prisoners is currently an urgency for various researchers. This stress occurs because it is experienced due to changes in the atmosphere of the general public, but entering a criminal facility makes them feel uncomfortable, starting from mental pressure, anxiety, anti-social behavior, and even suicide due to stress. Therefore, there is a need for case management so that inmates can face situations of stress and fear when undergoing initial formation in state detention centers. This study used a qualitative research method with a case study research design, employing observation, study documentation, and interviews for data collection. There were 6 informants, 1 of whom was a prisoner, along with 1 guard officer, 1 registration officer, and 3 inmates. This research emphasizes interactive data analysis and qualitative confirmation of source triangulation results. The object of research lies in how prisoners can undergo an excellent initial coaching period to manage stressful situations and fears. The results of this research indicate that correctional guardians have a role in providing counseling guidance on the stress of inmates during initial training at the Painan Detention Center, where the stress levels of inmates are very high. The effective counseling guidance methods or techniques used include a religious approach to reduce stress on inmates during the initial training period. This action seeks to reduce stress levels and provide assistance to prisoners. This research presents a novelty that lies in the experience of stress management during the initial guidance of inmates.

Patriarchal grasp over voting behavior of women in rural punjab

The patriarchal grasp rooted in Pakistani society has been overpowering women. It is a consequence of the patriarchal embedment in social structures of Pakistan that ranked it 145th in the global gender gap index among 146. This study aimed to observe the patriarchal grasp over the political behaviors of women. The researchers used a case study research design. A total of 30 participants were interviewed, including both men and women, through an interview guide with the help of a purposive sampling technique. The analysis was done using the thematic analysis technique. The themes were political association, the extent of participation, political awareness, opinion-building, and decision-making. These significant themes collectively underpin women's voting behavior. It also explored the socially fenced barriers women face to practice their civic rights in the political arena.

The mechanisms for resolving conflicts within the Moravian Church in southern and southwest in Tanzania

Globally, religious conflicts have been occurring because of various reasons over centuries and continue happening up to the twenty first century. The present study focused at the mechanisms used by the church to resolve church conflicts in the Moravian Church Southern and Southwestern Tanzania. The study grounded in two theories: mimetic desire theory and conflict theory. The study adopted a qualitative approach and employed a phenomenological case study research design. Data were collected by using Focus Group Discussion, documentary reviews and in-depth interviews. Thematic and content methods were used in analyzing the qualitative data. Research findings revealed the following as the mechanisms for solving conflicts within the Moravian church: early identification of elements of conflicts, looking beyond of occurrences mark the awareness on church governance, church relations with government, relations with other denominations, education projects, education and its effectiveness and good church succession plan. On the other hand, the study findings revealed other conflict handling styles like securing repentance and agreement, avoidance, competing, compromising, dialogues and counselling as essential mechanism for resolving conflicts within the church. It was recommended the church to prepare the clergy and future leaders on handling conflicts through including leadership and conflict management courses in the curriculum of the Provincial Theological Colleges.

The use of screening, identification, assessment and support policy to support vulnerable learners

South African schools are becoming overwhelmed by the large numbers of learners who experience various vulnerabilities, including socio-economic issues and psychosocial factors. The policy for Screening, Identification, Assessment, and Support (SIAS) serves as a guiding tool to teachers, in providing necessary support to vulnerable learners. This study sought to explore the teachers' views on the implementation of the SIAS policy to support vulnerable learners. The qualitative research approach was employed. The study is interpretive and selected the case study research design. Purposive sampling was employed to sample five secondary schools for participation. Within the five sampled schools, ten teachers, five school-based support team members, and five principals were selected for participation. The sampling criteria was based on participants’ experiences in implementing the SIAS policy. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and document review. The data were analysed thematically. The study revealed misconception of the SIAS policy, the incredibility of school-based support teams, inappropriate learner profiling, lack of comprehensive psychosocial support systems, poor parental involvement, the teachers’ preparedness in contributing towards enabling schooling environments. It is recommended that the Department of Basic Education develop comprehensive policy guidelines to address psychosocial support to vulnerable learners in rural schools, provide sufficient resources to enhance the support measures and devise strategies to continuously assess the efficacy of the support systems. Lastly, the Department of Education should make it a priority to actively engage parents or guardians in the learners’ academic activities.

Perspectives of Rural Teachers on the Effects of Peer Pressure on Learners’ Behaviour – A Case of the Mqanduli Magisterial District, South Africa

There is general unhappiness and insecurity concerning school dropouts and reports of criminal activities through various news sources and media platforms in cities, villages and townships of South Africa. This research therefore examined the effects of peer pressure on learners’ behaviour. This research was conducted in schools geographically located in rural villages of the Mqanduli magisterial district, which is one of King Sabata Dalindyebo’s local municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and a case study research design involving five randomly selected teachers from five schools where each school was represented by one teacher. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to gather data from the five teachers. Document study of records was also used to collect, triangulate and analyse the data from the conveniently sampled five secondary schools. It emerged that peer pressure influenced the learners’ behaviours either positively or negatively. It is recommended that there is a need for learner support agents (LSAs) and full-time employed psychologists in schools to counteract the possibility of school dropouts, truants, and misbehaving learners impeding the quality of learning and teaching. The study recommends the collaboration of stakeholders such as schools, the Department of Education and sister departments as well as municipalities in introducing or strengthening programmes inculcating acceptable and desirable morals to learners. Keywords: Indiscipline, Learners, Behaviour, Peer Pressure, Quality of Learning and Teaching.

Du Point Method as Tool for Financial Performance Analysis

This study undertakes a comprehensive financial performance analysis of Agricultur al Development Bank Limited (ADBL) over a specified period, employing the Du Pont method. Focusing on key financial metrics such as Net Profit Margin (NPM), Total Asset Turnover Ratio (TATR), Equity Multiplier (EM), and Return on Equity (ROE), the study aims to provide a detailed examination of ADBL’s efficiency in translating revenue into profit, asset utilization, capital structure decisions, and overall profitability. By utilizing the Du Pont method, the analysis aims to break down ROE into its constituent parts, offering valuable insights into the sources of ADBL’s financial performance and shedding light on the interplay between profitability, efficiency, and financial leverage. The study adopts a case study research design with quantitative approach with ADBL as the focal point. This approach allows for an in-depth exploration of the relationships between variables that influence the financial decisions within the bank. Findings from the analysis highlight fluctuations in NPM, stable asset utilization as indicated by TATR, an increasing reliance on debt financing depicted by EM, and significant fluctuations in ROE. Correlational analysis underscores the influential role of profitability in achieving better ROE, along with a moderate negative correlation between NPM and EM. In conclusion, these insights empower stakeholders with valuable information for assessing ADBL’s financial strength, risk profiles, and strategic decision-making within the banking industry.

Analisis Problematika Guru Dalam Mengimplementasikan Kurikulum Merdeka Di SDN Inpres 2 Koya Timur

Along with the advancement of time, the educational curriculum in Indonesia has undergone various changes and updates, now referred to as the Merdeka Curriculum. This research aims to identify and analyze the challenges faced by teachers in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum at SDN Inpres 2 Koya Timur. Several challenges are encountered by teachers, especially in remote areas such as Koya Timur, namely: 1) teacher capacity building and training, and 2) strengthening stakeholder support and involvement. The research method employed is a qualitative approach with a case study research design. The researcher used data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The subjects of this research consist of 20 class teachers, including the principal of SDN 2 Inpres Koya Timur, Papua, determined using a focus group discussion (FGD) sampling technique. The results of this study conclude that the readiness of teachers in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum is still varied, thus requiring special attention. Strategies to improve teacher readiness through continuous professional development, mentoring, and teacher collaboration have proven effective. Teacher readiness has significant implications for the success of the Merdeka Curriculum implementation.

Optimising the teaching and learning process for children with special educational needs in an inclusive school: A SOAR analysis in Karachi, Pakistan

AbstractEven though inclusive education is one of the significant concerns of a wide‐ranging civil rights agenda, many teachers and administrators have serious hesitations about promoting the extensive placement of learners with disabilities or special educational needs in mainstream schools. However, there is widespread rhetorical commitment to inclusion, as several countries, including Pakistan, are signatories to many international documents that demand its implementation. This research study aimed to use a qualitative research method to explore the strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results (SOAR) factors that could optimise the teaching and learning process for children with special educational needs in the context of an inclusive school located in Karachi, Pakistan. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using a case study research design. The research reveals that the school prioritises social bonds to create an inclusive environment, fostering acceptance of children with special needs. The integration of daily living activities into an inclusive classroom presents a valuable opportunity for training children with special needs and enhancing their functional abilities. The school serves as a commendable example by not only adopting inclusive pedagogical practices but also cultivating a supportive environment that fosters the acceptance and inclusion of children with special needs. The results suggest that an inclusive school caters to the strengths of children with special educational needs and allows them to sustain themselves in this setting. Moreover, the study also reveals how aspirations toward becoming an inclusive school motivated teachers to adopt pedagogical practices to facilitate teaching and learning for children with special educational needs.

Assessing Teachers’ Views on the Impact of Teacher Unions on Curriculum Development and Implementation

The thrust of this study was to assess the teachers’ views on the impact of teachers’ unions on curriculum development and implementation in schools of OR Tambo Inland Education District. The government of democracy in South Africa necessitated the design and development of curriculum to be a transformed and inclusive curriculum offered in learning institutions such as schools, colleges and universities irrespective of the colour, gender, disabilities, race, and religion of the registered learners. The rationale for the design of a transformed and inclusive curriculum was crucial to redress the imbalances of the past apartheid which was characterised by or with segregated curriculum on the basis of colour, disabilities, and gender. The researchers adopted a qualitative approach, making use of the case study research design. Data were collected from a sample of ten purposefully chosen secondary schools, with one teacher serving as a participant from each secondary school. Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 10 teachers of the selected secondary schools. A thematic approach was used to analyse the collected data. It emerged that the stakeholders like teachers, principals, teacher unions, and communities, were marginalised in curriculum development by Department of Basic Education officials. The marginalisation of teacher unions has a negative impact on the implementation of the curriculum by teachers. Collaboration of stakeholders like teacher unions, researchers, and book-publishers to mention a few, in curriculum planning and development by DBE is the key to the success and implementation. The study outcomes encourage the training on and usage of technological skills for online meetings by stakeholders. Keywords: Teacher Participation, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Implementation, OR Tambo Inland Education District

Enhancing personal development of learners with disabilities through pedagogical practices: Teachers’ perspectives in the High Glen district, Zimbabwe

One of the most critical tasks of special and inclusive education in the current context of education system reform is the social and pedagogical support of children with disabilities to enhance personal development. The personal development of learners with disabilities is a critical area of focus in contemporary education. The study explored the pedagogical practices used to improve the personal development of learners with disabilities in inclusive classes. It adopted an interpretive paradigm, a qualitative research approach, and a case study research design. Fourteen participants were purposively selected from the population: head teachers, teachers, and learners with disabilities of two schools in the High Glen district, Zimbabwe. This study collected data from semi-structured interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. Data were analysed through thematic analysis. Results indicated that positive reinforcement, individualised instructions, creating relationships, engaging learners in different roles and activities, promoting learner-learner, and using role models could be considered pedagogical practices to enhance the personal development of learners with disabilities. The results also found the challenges in implementing these practices, such as the lack of teachers’ frustrations and government and parental support. This study recommended that all stakeholders, including the government and the parents, provide support systems for learners with disabilities.

Engagement in research: doctoral students’ reasons for not engaging in research activities in universities in Cameroon

ABSTRACT Due to the fact that doctoral education is a research-based learning and socialization experience, all doctoral students are expected to engage in research activities. This study focused on determining factors doctoral students perceived to be hindering their engagement in research activities to propose appropriate recommendations for improvement. An exploratory case study research design was used based on a qualitative methodology. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data. The data collected was analyzed thematically. The study offers several contributions to theory and practice. The study extends the understanding and applicability of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory by using it to identify the factors hindering doctoral students from engaging in research activities in Cameroonian universities. This study found that factors doctoral students perceive to be hindering their engagement in research activities include inadequate financial assistance, lack of extrinsic motivation to engage in research, inadequate research facilities, lack of support from research supervisors and inadequate research method expertise. Implications are given to enhance doctoral students’ engagement in research.

Technology as a driving force of service delivery in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality

The emergence of the fourth industrial revolution has seen governments around the world seeking new ways of delivering services to the people. The infusion of technological aspects in governance seeks to enhance service delivery in the public sector. This paper sought to investigate the role played by technology in facilitating service delivery to the people. To showcase the impact played by technology on issues of local government, the diffusion of innovation theory was utilised as a theoretical foundation of this paper. The literature indicated that technology plays a fundamental role in the service delivery process. Studies conducted in this research area revealed that technology plays a pivotal role in the dissemination of public services to the residents by municipalities. This paper adopted a mixed method approach and a case study research design. The quantitative data was collected through closed ended questionnaires while the qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews. This paper sampled a total of 36 participants in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality through simple random sampling technique in the few selected different wards of the municipality. The closed ended questionnaires were distributed to 30 participants while 6 municipal officials were interviewed. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while the qualitative data was analysed through a thematic approach. The findings of this paper revealed that King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality appreciates and embraces the technological reforms. A significant percentage of the respondents further indicated that King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality is average in terms of utilising technology in terms of service delivery. The study further concluded that municipalities must improve and adopt the technological advancements that are present in the public sector. The study also concluded that municipalities cannot turn a blind eye to the ever-changing environment and thus need to improve service delivery through the introduction of technology. This paper thus recommends that technological changes be adopted to improve service delivery within local government. It further recommends that technology should be exploited to fast-track service delivery.